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A Rare Ferrari Blooms as Concours Suisse Blossoms

Report from Etienne Vanaret

For the 3rd year running, and reviving a Swiss tradition dating back to 1927 in Geneva, the Concours d’Elegance Suisse celebrated once again automotive heritage and the art of mechanical engineering. The event took place from Friday the 22nd to Sunday the 24th of June, 2018, in the exquisite setting of the Parc du Château de Coppet, actually Madame de Staël’s house, a few kilometers from Geneva, on the shore of Lake Leman.

The Concours d’Elégance Suisse displayed a selection of spectacular classic automobiles rarely seen in public. On this occasion, the Future Classics from 1970 to 1985 were also featured as an official Concours class.

On Friday, there was a Tour d’Elégance with a 70 km leisurely drive through the surrounding countryside, including lunch and the Concours’ inaugural party on the Concours’ lawn. On Saturday was the Concours preview, opened to the public, and the traditional Owner’s Dinner in the evening. On Sunday was the Concours d’Elégance itself and the Awards Ceremony.

The themes this year were: 1920 - 1939: From Design to Modernity; 60th Anniversary of the Aston Martin DB4; 60th Anniversary of the 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina; and the 40th Anniversary of the Paris-Dakar Rally. An international jury was selected by the prestigious International Chief Judge Advisory Group, chaired by Ed Gilbertson, and they had the heavy task of evaluating each car according to the traditional charter used at the Concours d’Elegance.

About 85 cars were in the various classes and the Ferrari were obviously well represented in C1 - Ferrari front engines; C2 - Ferrari rear engines; and E2 - 60th Anniversary of the 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina.

In Class C1, we could admire a beautiful 250 Europa, a 342 America, a fine 250 Lusso, and a 330 GT 2+2 Serie 1. Rarely seen in public, at least in Europe in the last 20 years, was the 250 SWB berlinetta bodied by Bertone, and it was naturally one of the stars of this Suisse Concours. 3269 GT is the second exemplar of the short wheelbase berlinetta by Bertone. Built according to the specifications of the 1962 model, it was delivered new to Nuccio Bertone himself and made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1962. After many years in the United States and Mexico, it recently returned to Europe after its sale in August 2015. It is currently presented in its original configuration, after the mid-90s restoration by Bob Smith Coachworks (see Cavallino 104 and the complete history by Alan Boe). Thank you to the new owner and organizers for giving us this opportunity to admire this iconic Ferrari!

In Class C2, we saw a pair of 275 GTB/4 accompanied by a red and silver 330 GTC, and a yellow 365 GTB / 4 Daytona. In Class E2, we saw the 250 GT Pininfarina Coupés celebrated in 2018. After a handful of special models or prototypes, production started in June 1958 and ended in September 1960. To complete everything, we also found a very nice black 250 GT California short wheelbase, the second of the production, and also two very beautiful Dinos - a 206 GT among the first produced, and a 246 GT L series in a perfect Rosso Dino.

For its third edition, this new classic car event that is growing fast and doing well! There is much event competition, especially in Europe, but the Swiss Concours d’Elegance seems well on its way to becoming a must.

Honorary Judges Award – Geneva International Motor Show Award
Given to the automobile that was displayed at the Geneva International Motor Show:
The 1962 250 GT Berlinetta, by Bertone, owned by a private collection (Switzerland)
Honorary Chief Judge Award
Given to the Honorary Chief Judge’s preferred car:
1960 250 GT California Spyder, owned by a private collection (Switzerland)